Around Belchertown: Select Board seeks town’s oldest resident

The Belchertown Select Board is seeking the town’s oldest resident to pass on a replica of the Boston Post cane, a tradition dating back to 1909. The last person to hold the cane was Anna Socha, who died June 16 at age 104.

According to town records, the oldest living resident was born Dec. 6, 1913, and the board asks that anyone with information on this resident (or a resident born before that date) contact the office at 323-0403 or by mail at The Finnerty House, 1 South Main St., P.O. Box 670, Belchertown, MA 01007.

The original cane, given to the town by the Boston Post in 1909, is on display at Lawrence Memorial Hall. It was manufactured by J.F. Fradley & Co. of New York and is made of carefully crafted Gaboon ebony from the Congo in Africa. The head is made of 14 karat gold. According to Select Board Executive Assistant Ann Pittsley, at least 10 towns in Massachusetts have similar canes.

The deadline to submit names for consideration is noon on Aug. 21.

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Senior center doings

The Belchertown Senior Center is hosting its annual volunteer appreciation luncheon, catered by the kitchen staff, at noon on July 26. Volunteers who register eat free and can bring a friend for a charge of $12.

To register, call the center at 323-0420.

The Senior Center also invites older residents to come take advantage of its supportive day program, which provides assistance and activities to seniors who would otherwise be alone during the day. The program is run by senior center staff and includes exercise, brain teaser games, dancing and card games. The program costs $38 a day and includes a nutritious, on-site lunch and a morning and afternoon snack. In-town transportation is also available at $2 a day. Financial assistance is available for seniors who qualify. Attendance can range from one day a week to every day, Monday through Friday. Seniors or their families should call Dianne Radebaugh at 323-0420 for more information.